Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

Name: Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Quick Everyday Eats

I love a meal that can be whipped up in no time, and this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta is just that! With fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy my cravings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it takes only a handful of ingredients, making it a go-to recipe that I can always rely on during hectic days.

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:13:35.119Z

When I first tried making garlic pasta, I was amazed at how something so simple could be packed with flavor. Using freshly minced garlic really elevates the dish, making every bite aromatic and delicious. I've found that toasting the garlic just until golden imparts a beautiful nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor. Each time I prepare it, I can’t help but marvel at how quickly I can go from ingredients to an incredibly satisfying meal.

This pasta has become our family favorite, especially when I’m short on time. I often prepare it on busy nights, and my secret tip is to finish it off with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This elevates the dish, refreshing the palate and adding a lovely brightness that complements the richness of the olive oil. Each bowl simply disappears in seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick cooking time means you can enjoy a delicious meal any night of the week.
The aromatic garlic brings a mouthwatering aroma to your kitchen.
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins!

The Star of the Show: Garlic

Garlic is the main flavor driver in this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta. When sautéed, it transforms from pungent to sweet, infusing the oil with a rich aroma that enhances the entire dish. To achieve the perfect balance, be cautious not to brown the garlic too much; a light golden hue is ideal. If you have trouble with burnt garlic, consider adding it to the pan with the oil already heated rather than once it’s reached the top temperature.

The amount of garlic can be adjusted based on your personal taste. While four cloves give a robust flavor, I often opt for three if I’m looking for a milder garlic presence. You could also experiment with roasted garlic for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor, which would add a different depth to the dish altogether.

Checking Pasta for Doneness

Cooking pasta to the right texture is crucial for a satisfying meal. Aim for 'al dente', which means the pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard. To get it just right, start tasting the spaghetti a minute or two before the recommended cooking time on the package. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly even after draining, especially when combined with the skillet's heat.

If you find yourself with overcooked spaghetti, don’t despair! You can still salvage the dish by cooking it briefly in the garlic oil. Just toss everything together over low heat and add a splash of pasta water if needed to revive the texture. However, it’s best to keep a close watch in the initial boiling phase to prevent this situation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Pasta and Oil

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Season and Serve

Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding sliced cherry tomatoes or spinach during the sautéing step. Both add color and freshness to the dish.

Customizing Your Garlic Pasta

This garlic pasta is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs. For an added boost of nutrition, consider tossing in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes when you add the pasta to the skillet. Both will add vibrant colors and fresh flavors without altering the cooking time significantly—just a minute should suffice.

If you're looking for a heartier option, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Incorporating protein elevates this dish and can turn it into a complete meal. Just ensure that any proteins you choose are pre-cooked and warm before mixing them with the pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the garlic pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend reheating it on the stove to maintain its texture rather than in the microwave, where it may become gummy. Just add a splash of olive oil and a bit of water to the skillet and gently heat, stirring often until warm throughout.

This dish also freezes well if you want to make a larger batch. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the same stovetop reheating method to keep it flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ How can I add protein to this dish?

You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.